Fiji amateurs prepare for Hail Mary shot at qualifying for World Cup
Preparing an amateur squad featuring police officers, builders and transport workers, Fiji manager Rob Sherman is under no illusions about the task at hand as the Pacific islanders look to pull off the unthinkable and qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Preparing an amateur squad featuring police officers, builders and transport workers, Fiji manager Rob Sherman is under no illusions about the task at hand as the Pacific islanders look to pull off the unthinkable and qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Fiji need to beat far-better resourced New Zealand in Wellington on March 21 in the semifinals of Oceania qualifying.
The reward for that would be a match against either New Caledonia or Tahiti three days later at Eden Park for a direct ticket to the 2026 showpiece in North America.
Upsetting New Zealand’s professionals might amount to Fiji’s finest moment in soccer, never mind the World Cup.
While lacking New Zealand’s skill and fitness levels, Fiji can match them for enthusiasm, Sherman said.
Rating: 5